I had never heard of a Haakaa breast pump until I became pregnant with my second child. I decided early on I was going to breastfeed as long as I was able, just like I did with my son.

With my son, I spent a lot of time on the electric breast pump. Like a lot of moms, I worked outside the home so I needed to pump at work every few hours to keep up with my son’s intake while he was at day care. I also had a bit of an oversupply created by yours truly due to my diligent pumping so I’d also pump on the weekends for some relief.

During my pregnancy with my daughter, we decided I would not be going back to work and inside I had a major celebration because that meant less time with the pump.

For me, pumping sucked. It was another chore on top of all of my other to-dos.

Just like with my son, I wanted my daughter to be introduced to bottles as soon as we could to avoid nipple confusion and so I could go out without having to worry if she’d take the bottle. That meant…pumping.

I discovered the Haakaa breast pump through my daughter’s Moms Group and decided to give it a whirl. A fellow mom recommended it for catching leaks while feeding baby on the other said, said it was the best invention ever AND she spent less time on the pump because of it.

Less time on the pump?

Sign me up!

The Haakaa Breast Pump will catch the leaking on the other side. No more leaking into breastpads.

Okay So What Is A Haakaa?

The Haakaa is a manual breast pump that you suction to your breast to collect milk. It can be hands free though you can also use it to manually pump to get started. I used the Haakaa as a milk collector for the most part! I just suction on and feed JuJuBe on the other side. Once she’s done, I switch sides!

How To Use A Haakaa Breast Pump To Get More Milk!

You’ll want to squeeze the bottom part of the Haakaa breast pump and suction to your breast centering on your nipple. I have seen some videos where the top part of the Haakaa is folded down, squeeze the bulb, place around your nipple to suction, and fold the top of the Haakaa into place. I was able to get a comfortable latch with my Haakaa with the first attempt, but please, you do you.

I start feeding on the other side and leak into the Haakaa on from the other! If you need to, you can hand pump using the Haakaa or massage your breast to trigger a letdown but this is not necessary unless you need to trigger the letdown.

Please remember the Haakaa is a breast pump!

While it is for catching the leaks on the other side, your body will get used to making that amount that the Haakaa Breast Pump is collecting. This is not in any way taking away milk from your baby as you are feeding.

You absolutely need to letdown while using the Haakaa so if nothing is coming out, try hand pumping with it. If you know you do not respond well to pumps or unable to get milk out by hand, this product may not be for you.

Why I Love The Haakaa Breast Pump So Much

1. I am no longer tied to my pump.

That’s right.

I love having my husband feed our baby with a bottle so I can get a break but that means I would have to break out the pump twice a day. I like to keep a cycle going and always stay ahead on my milk. I’d theoretically pump in the morning then again when she is eating the bottle to keep up with my supply at that time of day.

With the Haakaa, I just use it as I am feeding in the morning and use that milk later in the day. My daughter is 8 months old and I get about 2 ounces in the morning and use that in cereal or to feed her later. While I used to fill bottles a mere month or two ago, my supply is evening out as she eats more food.

2. It’s easy to clean.

It’s not a bajillion pieces that are difficult to take apart and tedious to put back together. It’s one thing. No fuss. I just wash and use again when I need it.

3. It’s QUIET.

I can’t be the only one with a pump that speaks to her right? My pump, with every suction, says “Wacko.”

I swear.

Stop judging me pump, we’re on the same side.

The Haakaa breast pump doesn’t make a peep.

4. It’s small and not a hard plastic.

The Haakaa is small and way more comfortable than my hard plastic pumping bottles. It’s perfect to put in your purse and use on the go if necessary. Even if your baby isn’t around. It still works as a pump! I’ve used it for long car rides when I didn’t want to bring the entire machine with us.

5. It’s cheap!

Pumps are expensive! The Haakaa is perfect for anyone just looking to make an extra bottle or two while feeding your baby without a huge expense.

Issues Some Women Have With The Haakaa Breast Pump

Spillage!

“No one cries over spilled milk” says no pumping mama ever.

My Haakaa came with a cover, but MOM PRO-TIP: Use a mug. I have a mug on my table ready to take my full Haakaa when I have a sleeping baby or just so I can move her to the floor while I store the milk. You can also buy a stopper like this one but try a mug or a cup first!

It’s Not As Much As The Haakaa Says!

Some women say the Haakaa reads 3oz, but when transferred it’s less. Total bummer to think it’s one but in reality it’s not.

Can I Throw My Electric Pump Away?

No!

The electric pump is great and necessary for establishing a supply early on as well as boosting and maintaining your supply as needed. If baby is eating from a bottle, you will need to pump to maintain supply during that feed. A Haakaa will not replace the use of the electric pump, but compliment it.

The electric pump may sit on the shelf and collect a little dust if you are able to fill a daily bottle and make a small stash with just the Haakaa. I still have to break out the breast pump late in the day!

The Haakaa is perfect for a stay at home mom or someone looking to build a small stash. It’s great for on the go if you cannot find a place to use your double electric pump, but don’t look for it to replace it.

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I'm Ashley, mom to 18 month old Orion, wife to John. We live and work in the DC metro area.

I love blogging about my real life mom experiences and offering advice to new moms.

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